204 Ruger VS 22-250

[walkingtall]

Hi Guys, I'm new to this forum and would like some user feedback. I have read many different ballastic charts but feel actual experience will tell me a real story. I have a chance to buy a 40XB in 22-250 and it is a beauty, however I've wanted a 204. Can anyone tell me how these two calibers compare at longer ranges? (400 - 500 yds) I'm thinking the 39 or 40 gr in the 204 and 50 or 55 gr in the 22-250.

[glenn asher]

I don't think anyone will argue that the heavier bullets of the .22/250 will hit harder way out yonder, weight and momentum favor the heavier bullets. Trajectories will favor the .204 at those distances mentioned, but with less "thump" when it gets there.

[walkingtall]

Glenn I agree with you but this will my used to cut paper over a bench so the wollup isn't the biggest factor. The trajectory is more important , and the ability to buck wind.

[Jim White]

If its for target shooting, I would use a 22-250 with a 7-8 twist barrel over the 204 because the bullets and materials for the 22 cals is already available where they're not for the 204. If your're shooting waaaay out there (>600 yards) I would look at a 6.5 twist 22 cal barrel and launch 90 grain bullets.

HTH

JW

[walkingtall]

JW
The 22/250 is a 14 twist so anything over about a 62gr is out of the question.

[Va varminter]

I read on this forum a few weeks ago about Berger making a 55grain pill for 204. So if you were thinking about putting a faster twist barrel on a 204, that's the deal.

[Rick in Oregon]

Berger is indeed making .204" 55 grain bullets, but there are much more suitable cases to take advantage of this heavy for caliber bullet than the 204 Ruger case. It would work, there are just better case choices with more powder capacity.

[Jim White]

JW
The 22/250 is a 14 twist so anything over about a 62gr is out of the question.

... which is why I mentioned 7 & 8 twist barrels (based off your 1st post "used to cut paper over a bench so the wollup isn't the biggest factor..." ). I read that to mean target shooting. If I misread and your're keeping the 14 twist factory barrel (or anything slower than a 8 twist) then I'll withdraw the suggestion because you wouldn't hit a bull-in-the-butt @ 100 yards with them then.

Jim

[walkingtall]

Well,the 22-250 I was considering to purchase isn't available anymore but I still have alot of interest in the 204.

[majcl5]

I have had both hunted with both and sold my 22-250 and bought another .204

[Bayou City Boy]

I had shot 20 caliber rifles many years before Ruger and Hornady "invented" the 204 Ruger. I currently own five 20 caliber rifles, but I also own three 22-250's.

There will always be a place in my gun safes for at least one 22-250. Its still a much better large varmint/predator round than any of the current 20 caliber rifles available because of factory bullets. Berger will improve this with their heavier grain bullet that they have announced, but it will be a custom rifle only proposition to use them due to required twist rates.

Most folks won't pay for a custom rifle, and in those cases, the 22-250 is the better bet for an all-around factory varmint cartridge....

When I use " " around invented, if you Google 20 Terminator you wont find much current information. But, it is a 20 caliber wildcat built off the 222 Rem Mag case that is almost identical in all dimensions to the 204 Ruger.... Guess which came first....?

JMO - BCB

[Rick in Oregon]

204 vs. 22-250...my $0.02 worth: For larger predators such as coyotes at most common ranges, or rockchucks or eastern groundhogs past the 400 yard mark, hands down the .22-250. But for the smaller varmints such as ground squirrels or prairie dogs and the high volume shooting such varmints entail, then it's the 204 Ruger.

Depends on what kind of varmint you'll shoot more often rather than "which is better" sort of arguement. Both are excellent calibers, both have their specific range of optimum uses. Both will work for all applications mentioned, but each has it's own realm of "best" use.

Decide what you'll shoot most often, then pick the appropriate caliber that best suits that specific varmint.

[Captqc]

Just do like me and get both! I love my .204 but a few weeks ago a Ruger No.1 in 22-250 trapped me with her charms I'd say that the best bet would be the .204 but I'm weak and couldn't resist the No. 1 Gary